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A care home in Cheltenham is providing support for people caring for a loved one after finding that 60 per cent feel ‘overwhelmed’ by their responsibilities.

Sandfields in St George’s Road has launched A Helping Hand, a guide packed with practical and emotional advice and support, after surveying 1,000 people who care for, or have responsibility for, someone over the age of 55.

The study found that 70 per cent of carers in the South West said they never or don’t often ask for help with caring responsibility. A further 50 per cent admitted that they weren’t aware that there was Government support available.

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The guide, which pools the expertise of Care UK’s care colleagues and fellow carers, provides information on the rights of carers and the help they are entitled to, as well as offering ways for them to continue delivering great care for their loved one while keeping themselves happy and healthy.

Carers are also offered information on what to consider and how to proceed should they wish to explore respite or permanent residential care for their loved one.

Deanna Lane, home manager at Sandfields, said: "Caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, though it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. We want to remind people that if they’re caring for an older relative or friend, it’s important to remember that they may feel isolated or overwhelmed at times - but this is natural, and they are not alone.

"Though they often feel overwhelmed, many people don’t think of themselves as carers, and don’t recognise that care takes a variety of forms: from helping someone to get well after an operation, to popping in to have a chat with someone each day – this all constitutes caring, and the responsibilities can mount up."

She said: "It is sad but not surprising to hear about the pressure family carers put on themselves when looking after a loved one. My mum looked after my dad for ten years as his primary carer before we sought help and a guide such as A helping hand would have provided some help and comfort for us at a difficult time."

To pick up a free copy of A helping hand, pop in to Sandfields, or download the guide at careuk.com/helpinghand .